Over the years, I have encountered a common challenge in delivering software products that I would like to share with you.
Have you ever noticed that most delays in software delivery do not necessarily occur with big features or big projects, but with medium ones? This is a common challenge I've encountered in my work, and it's something that requires our attention.
So, why is it that medium-sized projects can cause such significant delays? It could be due to a lack of attention, incorrect estimation, or poor communication. In addition, the main difference between medium and low features is that the medium can become complicated more quickly, we have more to lose, and a delay there will have a more profound effect on our roadmap and customers. These are the areas where gaps often occur, and it's important to address them in order to ensure timely delivery of software products.
However, it's important to remember that these gaps can be addressed and overcome. Here are a few solutions that have worked for me:
1. Prioritize and allocate resources - Ensure that medium-sized projects receive the attention and resources they need to be delivered on time.
2. Better estimation techniques - Use techniques such as data-driven results, to learn from past features and to understand the actual definitions of medium projects based on other factors (multiple teams involved, new technology, complex frontend, etc.). These techniques will help you determine the project size more accurately for medium-sized projects and give it the proper attention.
3. Improved communication - Ensure regular communication between team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals, expectations, and progress. It is always important to ensure that even though this is not the most complex project we are currently working on, we always schedule time for these discussions as well.
4. Regular monitoring and adjustment - Recognize and acknowledge the gap, monitor the progress of medium-sized projects regularly, and adjust as necessary.
Despite receiving less attention than big features or huge projects, medium-sized projects are critical to the success of our product roadmap. In order to ensure the timely delivery of our products and meet the high expectations of our customers, we need to address these gaps and implement these solutions.
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